Judge Blocks DOGE's Access to Personal Data at Federal Agencies

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing personal data at the Department of Education, the Treasury Department, and the Office of Personnel Management. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman granted a preliminary injunction after a lawsuit from the American Federation of Teachers and other unions, arguing that DOGE's access likely violated the Privacy Act. The ruling emphasizes the need for government agencies to protect personal information, noting that the Privacy Act was created to prevent unauthorized disclosures. Boardman highlighted that the urgency of the DOGE agenda does not justify bypassing legal safeguards. The decision impacts approximately 2 million individuals whose data could have been accessed, raising concerns about potential breaches of privacy. This legal challenge is part of a broader scrutiny of DOGE's controversial methods since its establishment under the Trump administration.